Meditation an ‘effective tool’ in treating brain trauma

Brain injuries can leave survivors with long-term damage to their concentration, patience and emotional control, but researchers are finding meditation may be the best medicine.

Janine Maitland, Audrey Devitt and Paula Rodgers of St. Joseph’s Health Centre conducted a study with 44 people with acquired brain injuries to determine whether “mindful” group meditation is effective.

In their findings, which they brought to a conference on brain injuries in Kingston yesterday, showed that patients in the program had lower depression, stress and anxiety levels.

“We see it being a very effective tool … and also very cost-effective,” said Maitland, senior research associate at St. Joseph’s in Hamilton.

Typically, patients with acquired brain injuries are treated with prescriptions, physiotherapy and counselling. Meditation is a tool that can be used when all else fails.

Devitt, St. Joseph’s director of outreach services, said that many patients in the trial had run out of options.

“Their medical practitioners have said that they have pla -teaued,” she said.

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